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Monrovia Unified flags budget pressure as board adopts initial bargaining proposals
Summary
Board member Lockerby warned of declining enrollment and the end of one-time COVID-era funds that require 'right sizing' the district budget; the board unanimously adopted initial bargaining proposals for CSEA and MTA, items tied to stabilization planning.
Board member Lockerby told the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education that the district must make near-term budget adjustments to avoid future deficits as enrollment declines and one-time COVID-era funds end. "It means that we have to take some right sizing adjustments to keep from using up all of the money that we currently have and to avoid a deficit," Lockerby said during her board report, noting district enrollment of 4,903 and an average daily attendance figure of 98.8 percent.
The report said the district has already taken steps — including not refilling some positions when staff retire or resign — but emphasized that more decisions are imminent and will be made with continued updates from the superintendent. Lockerby asked the community to stay informed through board meetings and official superintendent communications, warning that social media is not a reliable source for these decisions.
The budget discussion dovetailed with two related actions: the board opened public hearings and unanimously adopted the district's initial proposals for collective bargaining with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) and the Monrovia Teachers Association (MTA). Board President Anderson opened then closed both hearings after noting there were no public speakers; each adoption passed on roll call by a 5-0 vote.
Board members said the proposals cover areas that will affect stabilization planning, including transfer and reassignment procedures, retirement options, class size, hours of work and salary and benefits. "They're kind of working hand in hand," board member Goar said, connecting the stabilization work Lockerby described to the bargaining items the board approved.
What happens next: the proposals establish the district's opening positions for negotiations with employee groups; any final agreements will return to the board for approval and could affect staffing and budget decisions. The board will receive periodic updates as negotiations and stabilization planning proceed.
Votes at the meeting: the board adopted the CSEA and MTA initial proposals by unanimous roll call (5-0).
